Complete ‘Oyoon Al She’er Al Arabi’ Arabic poetry series launched on World Poetry Day

ABU DHABI, 22nd March, 2023 (WAM) — The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has launched the complete “Oyoon Al She’er Al Arabi” Arabic poetry series for World Poetry Day on 21st March. The initiative aims to revive Arab poetic heritage by publishing a collection of 100 books compiled from original sources by a group of researchers specialising in Arabic poetry. The series includes anthologies of Arabic poetry from the pre-Islamic era to the 18th century, with insightful introductions and explanations catering to a wide range of readers. Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, said, “The release of the full ‘Oyoon Al She’er Al Arabi’ Arabic poetry collection is a cause for celebration, as we honour this essential component of our Arabic culture and language. Guided by the UAE’s vision for safeguarding and nurturing culture, we have developed a rich and unique reference for scholars and all those who love this authentic art form. “A labour of love by the renowned poets, authors, and researchers created this valuable literary work, this initiative reflects the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre’s mission to promote Arab cultural and linguistic heritage and make it accessible to wider audiences.” Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, Executive Director of the ALC, said that one key objective of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre is to make significant contributions to the preservation of Arab heritage, where poetry features as a prominent element. “The ‘Oyoon Al She’er Al Arabi’ Arabic poetry series is an important achievement in this area, providing an integrated database that tracks the history of Arabic poetry. We are grateful to the 21 authors, researchers, and critics specialising in traditional Arabic literature, coming from countries across the Arab world, whose considerable talent and effort has resulted in this milestone collection,” he added. The Centre launched the series’ first 25 books in 2021, while the second and third instalments of 25 books each were released in 2022. This release for World Poetry Day 2023 sees the complete collection of 100 books available for the very first time.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Umm Al Emarat Park celebrates Ramadan with variety of family-friendly initiatives

ABU DHABI, 22nd March, 2023 (WAM) — Umm Al Emarat Park welcomes the Holy Month of Ramadan with a variety of activities for families and friends to enjoy. Visitors will be able to enjoy Ramadan Nights at the Park which will begin with the daily cannon fire at the Maghrib call to prayer, signalling the end of the fast. For an even more special Iftar, visitors can take pleasure in Picnic at the Park, in collaboration with “Green For Life”. To add to the Ramadan ambience, the Park will also be adorned with beautiful decorations throughout the month. Visitors will enjoy on the first weekend of Ramadan, wellness and fitness activities that the Park will be hosting in collaboration with Peak Fitness, such as joining trainers on the green jogging track and starting their weekend with a refreshing run. The remaining weekends of the holy month will bring many fun family-friendly activities such as face-painting, art workshops, traditional Ramadan ambience with oud players, tanoura dancers, traditional Emirati food and coffee for the entire family to enjoy. Additionally, there will be a range of Ramadan products and sweets available for purchase. rt enthusiasts can also indulge in art exhibitions taking place at the Park throughout Ramadan, alongside musical performances and other cultural activities. Visitors can also participate in weekly quiz competitions on the Park’s Instagram channel and a lucky winner per week will win a Fitness Loyalty Card worth AED499. The iconic Cinema in the Park is also taking place with fun, family-friendly movies every Friday and Saturday at 7 pm and 9 pm in the Children’s Garden. Kids can also get creative at the origami, balloon twisting, and color bug stations. Rasha Kablawi, Head of Umm Al Emarat Park’s Corporate Affairs and Communication Department, commented, “As a destination that connects communities, we are excited to launch a diverse range of exciting activities during the holy month that brings people together in a warm and welcoming space to connect with one another, nature, and themselves in a relaxing environment that will allow them to create cherished memories and lasting moments.” Umm Al Emarat Park is the largest green space in the centre of Abu Dhabi bringing people together in a family-friendly environment.

Source: Emirates News Agency

UAE stands in solidarity with Pakistan and Afghanistan, offers condolences over earthquake victims

ABU DHABI, 22nd March, 2023 (WAM) — The UAE has expressed its sincere condolences and solidarity with Pakistan and Afghanistan over the victims of the earthquake that struck the two countries and resulted in numerous deaths and injuries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) expressed its sincere condolences to Pakistan and Afghanistan and their peoples, as well as to the families of the victims of this tragedy. It also wished the injured a speedy recovery. Rola AlGhoul/ Esraa Esmail

Source: Emirates News Agency

Muslim Council of Elders condemns statements by Israeli Minister denying existence of Palestinian people

ABU DHABI, 22nd March, 2023 (WAM) — Under the Chairmanship of Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Muslim Council of Elders strongly condemned statements by Israeli Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich in which he denied the existence of the Palestinian people. The Council also condemned his use of a map of Israel that includes lands from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the occupied Palestinian territories. The Muslim Council of Elders reiterated its categorical rejection of the Israeli occupation’s attempts to distort realities whilst committing repeated infractions against the Palestinian people. The Council also called on the international community to take a decisive stand in support of the Palestinian people to rightfully achieve statehood with Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestinian state. Esraa Esmail/ Rola AlGhoul

Source: Emirates News Agency

Mohammed bin Rashid attends second Dubai Breeze-Up Sale held at Meydan Racecourse

DUBAI, 21st March, 2023 (WAM) — His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, attended the second Dubai Breeze-Up Sale held today at the Meydan Racecourse. Organised by the Dubai Racing Club in cooperation with leading auction house Goffs, the Dubai Breeze-Up Sale 2023 saw a catalogue of two-year-old horses selected from Ireland and the UK, going under the hammer. Held a few days ahead of the start of the 27th edition of the Dubai World Cup at the Meydan Racecourse, the 2023 Breeze-Up Sale builds on the success of the inaugural edition of the event held last year. The event attracted leading owners and buyers from all over the world. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was accompanied at the event by Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Racing Club, Sheikh Juma bin Dalmook Al Maktoum and Sheikh Hamad bin Dalmook Al Maktoum. The Meydan Racecourse is all set to play host to the 27th edition of the Dubai World Cup meeting on Saturday, 25 March, bringing together the world’s best racehorses, jockeys and trainers. Offering a total prizemoney of $30.5 million, this year’s Dubai World Cup further strengthens Dubai’s status as one of the world’s leading sporting destinations. Hatem Mohamed

Source: Emirates News Agency

UK publishes roadmap for reaching tech superpower status by 2030

LONDON, 22nd March, 2023 (WAM) — The UK has today published a roadmap for reaching tech superpower status by 2030 through a new International Technology Strategy. The Foreign Secretary and the Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary set out at the launch in London how the UK will build on the strength of its tech sector, which is already the largest in Europe and the third highest valued in the world after the USA and China, said a press release issued by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The UK, guided by four principles to be open, responsible, secure and resilient will shape the future of technology in a way that promotes its use positively, and drives innovation and UK tech leadership, while boosting its security from new and emerging threats. The UK Government will work closely with Governments, academia and industry to leverage the UK’s world-leading strengths in technology through international partnerships with established and emerging science and technology powerhouse nations. The Prime Minister has made growing the economy, creating better paid jobs and opportunity across the country, one of his five priorities. Investing in the UK’s thriving tech sector will directly contribute to that. The sector was worth US$1 trillion in 2022, and the UK is home to more than 85,000 start-ups and scale-ups. More investment was generated in the UK tech sector last year than in France and Germany combined, creating and sustaining high quality jobs around the country. The International Tech Strategy will boost growth in this sector, strengthening the country’s position on the world stage while forging long-term links that will promote the UK as place for investment and collaboration in the technologies of the future. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said, “Now more than ever, it is important that the UK steps up to promote British tech excellence worldwide.” He added that this strategy will help deliver on the UK’s ambition to be a tech superpower by 2030, backing UK businesses and helping the country solve the challenges of tomorrow through innovation and international collaboration. Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said, “We are a top-class breeding ground for emerging tech, but being a superpower means working with our international partners to turn these nascent technologies into global industries.” Donelan added, “Our International Tech Strategy will ensure we deepen collaboration with our allies on the technologies of tomorrow, driving growth and prosperity for the UK while strengthening our national security.” s part of the strategy, the UK will also work with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Global Forum on Technology to engage with the international community on how to better use technology. “We will also build on the UK’s success in securing a seat on the Council of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), working together with partners to increase worldwide connectivity, and provide clear leadership in the telecoms sector,” said the press release.

Source: Emirates News Agency